MPO Test Equipment

VIAVI delivers the industry’s most complete portfolio of test solutions for MPO connectivity. From automated fiber end-face inspection, to length/loss measurements and OTDR testing, testing MPO with VIAVI solutions equip technicians with the ability to ensure network performance without the hassles that come with legacy tools.

As fiber networks continue to migrate more towards MPO connectivity, technicians are finding that their legacy test tools are no longer sufficient for the job. Using tools that were not designed for MPO has introduced challenges ranging from taking extra steps during inspection and testing to needing additional equipment to perform tests. All this adds up to extended test times and frustration.

VIAVI Solutions has developed an extensive portfolio of industry leading, award winning test solutions that are purpose built for testing MPO, giving technicians with the ability to ensure the MPO performance in any fiber network. Not only do our solutions help you test efficiently, they also drive you to test correctly, eliminating unnecessary steps and driving best practice test methods.

MPO Switch - OTDR testing of MPO allows for characterization of the link or channel (uniformity of cable attenuation) as well as fault isolation to prevent unnecessary service interruptions. The MPO Switch reduces test time by 50% and automates test workflow, certification, and reporting.

Smart Link Mapper (SLM) - The SLM intelligent optical software application helps technicians use an OTDR more effectively, without the need to understand or interpret OTDR results. Each event is displayed as an icon giving users a schematic view of the entire link, known as Smart Link.

While the use of MPO in fiber networks is not something new, its adoption is becoming increasingly common today. As indicated in the VIAVI industry survey: Navigating MPO Waters, the majority of respondents expect the use of MPO in fiber networks to grow by over 20% in the next 3 years. This rapid growth means it is imperative that both network owner-operators as well as contractors and technicians stay educated on market trends and best practices. The wide variety of new concepts, terms, architectures, and test methods for MPO can be intimidating, but it doesn’t have to be.

To keep things simple, some may think adopting new tools and workflows is unnecessary. After all, if it’s not broken, why fix it, right? While early adopters of new technologies have to count the cost of the time and energy it takes to learn or relearn new methods, the time eventually comes when new methods become best practices. For fiber networks using MPO technology, that time is now. Simply put, well-educated contractors have more opportunity to generate business. Owner operators need to be aware of industry changes, too. There’s no reason they should risk working with contractors who use tools and systems that could negatively impact the overall cost or quality of their networks.

The goal of this page is to help those with a vested interest in fiber technology to better understanding how the growth of multi-fiber connectivityaffects how fiber networks are built and efficiently tested, and to arm them with a solid understanding of MPO basics so they’re empowered to choose the right tools for the job. In order to get the lay of the land, we’ll first summarize some key MPO concepts below.

Getting a grasp on MPO connectivity can feel intimidating simply because MPO connectors are different than the fiber connectors many technicians are used to (such as LC or SC). Often referred to as “parallel optics”, MPO connectors have an increased number of fibers (8, 12, 24, and more) in a single connector that adds additional factors to consider. This section provides a summary of some of these key terms and concepts.

Not only do parallel optics help in achieving needed speeds, they support network migration, too. MPO is no longer just used as a backbone solution, it is now connecting all the way to servers and switches. High speeds are possible by using multiple “lanes” that can be combined together into a single “pipe”. The highest current speed for a “lane” is 50Gbps. To achieve speeds beyond 50Gbps, multiple lanes must be used. One of the easiest ways to achieve this is by using multiple fibers within the same connector, such as an MPO. The following table provides examples.

Single-fiber connectors, such as SC or LC are joined by an adapter with a sleeve that lines up the fiber cores of both connectors. For MPO connectors, the alignment is accomplished using one connector with two alignment pins and another with corresponding sockets. While this approach is helpful to ensure that all the fibers are properly aligned, it introduces other challenges when designing networks, mating links, and performing MPO tests.

The term polarity is used in optical networks to ensure that a transmit signal is properly directed to the appropriate receiver. In MPO applications, however, the increased number of fibers makes it more complex as different cable types use different polarity configurations.

Type A is a straight through connection. The fiber in position 1 is connected to position 1

Type B is a flipped connection. The fiber in position 1 is connected to position 12. This causes a flip in the fibers which you need to have a 40/100G transmitter talk to a 40/100G receiver.

Type C is a pairwise flip (fiber 1 to 2, fiber 2 to 1, etc.) used for systems where the end connections are duplex – typically to support 1/10G.

Each method uses a different combination of components, and it is very easy to make mistakes, especially in network upgrade situations where the existing polarity is not known.

Backbones
The MPO backbone is the foundational cable for the “link.” Sometimes called a “trunk”, these high-density cables simplify the installation process by consolidating multiple ribbon fibers into a single jacket, rather than running multiple individual cables. Each of the ribbon fibers has MPO connectors on both ends that connect to an adapter panel or a breakout cassette.

Links
A link is the permanent connection between two locations. Typically, it is the cabling between patch panels or distribution frames and can include adapter panels and cassettes. Fiber links can have connections and splices in them. These two locations could be a connection between two racks, or more likely, a rack to a distribution frame of some kind. In some cases, these connection points are high density cassettes that break the MPO down into smaller fiber count connections, such as individual LC or 8-fiber MPO links.

Channels
A channel is the connection between equipment. It is made up of the link plus equipment cords (patch cords) at either end of the link. Again, depending on the vernacular you are accustomed to, some people call these equipment cords “patch cords.” In standards parlance, they are called equipment cords, and they are used at each side of a fiber link. In the figure below, there are switches on one side of the link and servers on the other. Depending on your application, there may be switches on either end.

Now that we’ve covered the basics of key terms and concepts, we’ll consider where you might see MPO connectivity in different forms of architectures.
The versatility of MPO technology makes it a very scalable design solution that can be used in a variety of different architectures. With our understanding of backbone, links and channels in the background, we can consider several possible MPO architectures.

This section highlights seven of the most common scenarios. Though the wide variety of configurations may seem intimidating at first, they represent three basic types of networks. In each scenario, a backbone trunk with MPO connectors is used. As the bandwidth demands increase, so does the amount of MPO connectivity. For continuity purposes, these scenarios all show a connection between servers and switches, however, please keep in mind that MPO can also be used for connectivity between different types of equipment (such as switch-to-switch).

Scenario #1: LC-LC Links (LC-LC Channels)
In the figure below, notice the MPO backbone connected through to cassettes, and the cassettes break down into individual LC links and LC channels when equipment cords are added. When the requirement is to run up to 25G multimode and up to 200G singlemode, using an MPO backbone is much more efficient than running numerous individual LC duplex pairs. In this example the designer chose to run a 72 fiber trunk, and break it into 36 duplex LC links using cassettes. In this scenario, you don’t need to test the backbone fiber, but you will test the link at the front of the LC cassettes.

Scenario #2: LC-MPO Links (LC-LC Channels)
Note that the architecture example below is nearly the same as the first example. The difference is that the link on the server side (as shown in the diagram) remains as MPO connectivity and then breaks out to LC after the link with an MPO-LC breakout cable. This is a good design choice when equipment rack-space is at a premium. In this sort of design scenario, also consider the tradeoff of flexibility. At the server end, there is opportunity for more density, and a cleaner solution. However, on the LC cassette side (the left side of the diagram), there’s still a fiber density challenge. In this scenario, one end of your link test will be LC while the other end will be MPO.

Scenario #3: MPO-MPO Links (LC-LC Channels)
In the figure below, notice that the LC channels are the same as the other configurations. But rather than feeding your equipment with LC connectivity, there is MPO connectivity on both ends of the link. This provides for much more density at the patch panel on each end of the channel. The fiber management is neat and clean at the racks. However, as stated above, this may hinder flexibility. If there is a need to make changes at the switch end, an entire fan-out cable may need to be replaced. In this scenario, both ends of your link test will be MPO.

As mentioned in the Lanes and Speeds section, most of the 40/100Gbps architectures only need four lanes (or eight total fibers) of an MPO connector. While the backbone is similar to some 1/10G applications, changes start occurring with the channels as the equipment on the servers and switches begin using QSFP transceivers in places.

Scenario #4: MPO-MPO Links (MPO-LC channels)
In the figure below, notice that the backbone remains MPO-MPO (like scenario 3). The change here occurs in the channels. The switch (on the left side) now has dedicated QSFP transceivers that an MPO equipment cord can be plugged into. The servers (on the right side) use breakout cables that break the MPO connection out into 4 duplex LC pairs (8 fibers). In this scenario, both ends of your link test will be MPO.

Scenario #5: MPO-LC Links (MPO-LC channels)
In this scenario, note the QSFP at the switch end (on the left side of the diagram). From the backbone the fiber connects into a cassette and breaks down into individual LC connections at the server (as shown on the right side of the diagram). Imagine standing in front of a rack full of four servers. One server on the top, two in the middle, and one on the bottom. In order to achieve 10 or 25G connectivity, place the LC cassette at the top of the rack, run a duplex LC pair down to the bottom server, a duplex LC pair to the third position server, a duplex LC pair down to the second position server, and a duplex LC pair down to the top server. This design is typically used when equipment rack-space is at a premium. In this scenario, one end of your link test will be MPO while the other end will be LC.

Scenario #6: MPO-MPO Links (MPO-MPO channels)
If you are looking to build out a simpler 40 or 100G solution using short-reach four lane technology (SR4), you can replace both ends of the channel with MPO to MPO connectivity. The active equipment uses a Quad Small Form-factor Pluggable transceiver (QSFP) to achieve end to end 40/100G. In this scenario, both ends of your link test will be MPO and you will test only 8 fibers rather than 12.

Scenario #7: MPO-MPO Links (MPO-MPO channels)
This scenario provides a true high-density 40/100G solution using a combination of different MPO connections. The backbone cable will deliver a series of 24 fiber MPO connectors that each plug into a cassette. Each cassette will break down into three separate, eight fiber connectivity to the QSFP. From a layout perspective this example is no different than scenario example 3, but there are considerations from a testing perspective. In this scenario, both ends of your link test will be MPO and you will test only 8 fibers rather than 12.

If the various architectures we’ve outlined thus far seem familiar to you, this further underlines the reality that MPO isn’t the exception in fiber networks. It’s commonplace. As networks change, testing needs change as well.

At the end of the day, network owners and operators should expect their network to be reliable and dependable. For contractors that are hired for install and/or maintenance, they need to make sure their work meets the customer’s requirements. Providing accurate test results that are based on known standards is the guarantee that contractors and network owners can agree upon. After all, contractors need to keep their customers happy, and data center owners need confidence in their networks.

If you are a contractor, a large portion of your business is installing fiber infrastructure, testing and certification of installed fiber confirms that the system you installed supports the applications that will ultimately be carried on the fiber. The certification provides proof that your work was installed according to your customer’s requirements. These requirements are typically based on industry standards. In North America and other parts of the world, the most recognized standard for Optical Fiber Cabling and Components is TIA-568.3. For Europe and other parts of the world, the most recognized standard is IEC 14763-3. While these are different standards, the requirements in each of them are in strong harmonization. Both standards specify two tiers of certification testing for the installed links:

Fiber end-face inspection and certification is also a requirement to ensure pristine end-face condition prior to mating

If you’re a network owner or operator, ensuring the integrity of your fiber infrastructure is essential to your business. Whether you manage a large enterprise, run multiple data centers, or a service provider using MPO in your FTTH or FTTA networks, understanding how your fiber network should be tested empowers you to have educated conversations and set clear expectations for your team and the contractors you hire about using the right MPO test tools and procedures to deliver measurable evidence of the network’s capabilities efficiently and within your budget.

As highlighted above in the seven common architecture scenarios, there are several ways that MPO connectivity can be used in fiber networks, but don’t let this scare you. While there may be several architectures, there are only three different MPO test scenarios. Following the testing procedure below will result in faster MPO testing, consolidate your reporting, and make your processes more efficient and less expensive.

Testing LC-LC configurations that have MPO connections within the links is not different than a typical LC-LC test. As long as the connectors at the end of the link or channel are LC, then the MPO test is the same as other tests performed with LC connections. For a Tier 1 (basic) test, you can use a standard Optical Loss Test Set (OLTS), such as an OLTS-85 that already has native LC ports on the device, so the test cords can be connected directly to the instrument.

As mentioned before, ensuring clean end faces for all fiber connections is essential. For LC-LC links or channels, the LC connectors for both sides of every connection must be inspected with a microscope, however there may be situations where you still need to inspect the MPO-MPO connection behind the cassette.

If you plan to use your existing OLTS to test an MPO-LC configuration, be prepared for much more work. Even though this scenario includes both single-fiber and MPO links, using a dedicated MPO test solution is still the best way to test. Since a typical OLTS does not have a native MPO port on the test device, the process is much more labor intensive. An MPO-LC breakout cable is used on the MPO site to convert the MPO connector into multiple LC connectors. Each of these ends must be inspected, and then MPO tests are performed one duplex pair at a time. Not only does this involve multiple tests, it also means you will have multiple test reports.

Using a purpose-built test instrument like the MPOLx will greatly simplify and streamline this test scenario. Rather than performing multiple MPO tests, the entire link can be certified with a single test. One end (the side with LC connectors) will still utilize a breakout cable, but it will be used to consolidate the multiple fibers so that only one test needs to be performed, with the results all shown in a single test report.

Here is how it is done:

The first thing to do when testing MPO-LC links is to perform a one-cord reference between the MPOLS and your MPOLP. Connect them with a single launch test reference cord, and then do a set reference on your MPOLP, in order to get it to 0dB. Never disconnect from your source, otherwise, you will lose your reference.

Next, disconnect from the power meter, and on the power meter, attach a fan-out cable. In the example below, note there are four LCs down to a single MPO. Four duplex LCs for eight fiber total.

Verify reference: It’s always a good idea to verify your reference. To do this, add a third cable and measure for loss (inspecting each LC first). The loss should be .35dB or better, because you’ve added in two connections. Now, these two connections should be quite low-loss connections, because you should be using reference-grade connectors as much as you can, particularly on the LC side.

Once you verify that, then you remove your third TRC, and connect to your system under test. Now you measure loss of the link.

Like the previous scenario, using a test set that is purpose built for MPO certification is much more effective than using a legacy OLTS. This scenario is most common in the 40/100G scenarios, and it is also the simplestif you are using purpose built MPO test tools.

The following table summarizes how each of these MPO test scenarios are applied to the architecture scenarios previously mentioned. As shown, 10 of the 14 scenarios involve testing an MPO connection directly. Using a purpose-built MPO test device such as the MPOLx will greatly simplify and streamline this testing.

In the last several sections, we’ve gotten technical in order to cover the basics of MPO networks, and to show that while there are several MPO testing scenarios, they basically boil down to three different kinds of networks.

The Challenges of MPO Using Single/Duplex Fiber Testing Tools
When a technician uses a traditional single-fiber test instrument in an MPO application, there are some built-in challenges and complexities. When you test an MPO network with a legacy tool, it’s like using a pickaxe and shovel for a much bigger job. You can certainly get the job done, but you need to ensure the job is done quickly and efficiently. A legacy tool may not be your best solution. For one, fanout cables get messy during MPO test procedures and deciphering which break-out strand corresponds to which fiber can be tricky. In addition, maintaining the performance quality of these reference cables over time requires proper care with end face inspection and cleaning. If one dust cap gets lost, the exposed end can get damaged, making the entire cable useless. It’s like hitting that water pipe and gaining a new problem you hadn’t bargained for.
In an environment where a legacy tool process is used, a typical OLTS has either LC or SC input ports. In this scenario, it’s not possible to plug an MPO connector into the test device. Instead an additional break-out/fan-out assembly is added between the MPO connector and the Test Reference Cables (TRCs) that connect to the test instrument port. These types of hybrid cables are necessary when MPO testing with legacy tools, and the process becomes unnecessarily complicated (as seen in the figure below).

Technicians with history in the world of fiber are accustomed to working with single fiber connectors (whether they are SC or LC.) Making changes to their testing procedures may feel daunting and adopting new tools and changing processes always comes with a learning curve. But these purpose-built MPO tools enable simpler testing processes. In the figure below, notice that each device features native MPO ports. This means fan-out cables are unnecessary. An MPO connectorized test reference cord connects directly to the device under test (DUT). Also, note that devices such as the VIAVI MPOLx features a built-in microscope that allows the user to inspect the TRC cables and eliminate the need for additional tools with video display screens.

End-Face Inspection
Using purpose-built tools for fiber inspection is also much faster and easier. In recent years, VIAVI Solutions has published many resources related to fiber inspection, and fiber end-face cleanliness as part of our “Inspect Before You Connect” message. Although the standards bodies have established acceptance criteria for quality and cleanliness control of fiber end faces, it’s still an ongoing problem for technicians in the field. Debris on the end of a fiber connector can range from 2 - 15μm and is not visible to the naked eye. It’s imperative to inspect both sides of the fiber connection and ensure test ports and reference cords are clean as well to make sure there’s no debris cross contamination.

While there are certainly new complexities to consider, there’s no need to fear how MPO is changing fiber networks. Our hope is that we’ve simplified some MPO concepts that some may find intimidating. Throughout this article, we have referenced various resources that will equip you with the knowledge you need to install and service MPO networks effectively.

If you’re an owner/operator of a network, you’re responsible for ensuring savings on MPO testing processes. You’re counting on reliable test results, and you can’t afford to hire contractors that don’t use purpose-built MPO testing tools. Using legacy tools in an MPO environment requires too many workarounds you simply can’t afford. You need to have confidence in the accuracy of your MPO test results, and you should feel empowered to expect the best from your contractors.

If you’re a contractor, having specialized fiber knowledge is no longer considered to be a mythical power like it was ten or fifteen years ago. It’s simply required knowledge. You need to be conversant with the changing needs of customers. You don’t want to get caught unprepared to test a robust MPO application with legacy tools. Now you have all the necessary information to succeed, remain competitive, and strengthen your business in the ever-changing world of fiber technology.